A two-year-old from Coventry has died after a 12-month battle with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that affects fewer than 100 children in the UK each year. Niayah Crack passed away on October 27, surrounded by her family.
Her parents, Evette and Gary Crack, from Radford, Coventry, paid tribute to their daughter, saying: 'Niayah, through her short life, battled so very hard to beat neuroblastoma. The whole way through this she had a smile on her face - everyone she ever came into contact with was sucked in with her beautiful big blue eyes and infectious smile. Never will we ever be complete again - we are so very, very proud of our smiling, courageous princess Niayah.'
Niayah was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in November last year after a tumour was found in her stomach. She underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Her parents both gave up work to care for her, along with their three other children.
Family and friends raised thousands of pounds for Ward 15 at the hospital and Ronald McDonald House, which provides accommodation for parents of sick children. A fundraising night took place before Niayah's death.
At Niayah’s funeral, which is planned for Bonfire Night, mourners will wear bright clothing, big hats, crazy glasses, feather boas and Hawaiian shirts. Her parents will then throw a party to celebrate her life. Her mother said: 'The date is Bonfire Night which is intentional as she should have the sky bright and beautiful just as she will always be.'
